The 2022 season was a rollercoaster ride for Enea Bastianini. Despite joining the same team as reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, the Italian rider’s campaign got off to a rocky start with an injury in the opener in Portugal. This setback resulted in him missing a significant portion of the season, leaving fans wondering if he would ever find his stride. It wasn’t until the Indonesia weekend in October that Bastianini could make a proper comeback, and he seized the opportunity to showcase his skills.
Bastianini’s future within the team seemed uncertain in the wake of a potential replacement, Pramac rider Jorge Martin, who had a strong title challenge that season. However, with an impressive victory in Malaysia, Bastianini not only secured his seat for the following year but also proved that he deserved to be among the top riders in the championship. This comeback win was a turning point in his career, showcasing his resilience and determination to succeed.
As the 2024 season approaches, Bastianini returned to the venue of his maiden win on a factory Ducati for the first pre-season test. The Italian rider displayed his potential by finishing third on the timesheets, just behind Bagnaia and Martin. Not only did Bastianini show strong pace in short runs, but he also demonstrated comparable consistency in long runs. This exceptional performance caught the attention of Ducati’s management, instilling confidence in his abilities.
Team manager Davide Tardozzi expressed his delight in Bastianini’s progress, emphasizing the struggles he faced in the previous season. Tardozzi acknowledged the weight of the injuries and lack of confidence Bastianini carried throughout the year. However, he believes that Bastianini has regained his optimistic mindset and is now able to perform at the same level as he did in 2022. With this renewed confidence, Bastianini is poised to be one of the top contenders in the upcoming season, according to Tardozzi.
Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning champion and Bastianini’s teammate, also weighed in on his performance during the pre-season test. While acknowledging the difficulty of predicting the pecking order based on a single test, Bagnaia praised Bastianini for his consistency in the challenging conditions of the Malaysian heat. Bagnaia noted that Bastianini’s hard work and dedication during the off-season will undoubtedly make him a fierce competitor in the upcoming races.
Bastianini himself expressed satisfaction with his performance at the Sepang test. He discussed his improvement compared to the previous year, particularly in terms of lap times. The Italian rider credited the compatibility he felt with the 2024-spec Ducati, which translated into improved speed in both short and long runs. Breaking into the 1m56s bracket was a significant milestone for Bastianini, exceeding his own expectations. Despite his positive results, Bastianini acknowledged the need to continue refining the bike’s setup during the final pre-season test in Qatar.
As the 2024 MotoGP season looms on the horizon, Enea Bastianini’s redemption story serves as an inspiration to aspiring riders and a testament to the power of resilience. From enduring injuries and struggling with confidence, Bastianini has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. With the support and confidence of Ducati’s top brass, combined with his own unwavering dedication, Bastianini is poised to make a mark in the championship. The upcoming season will be a true test of his skills and a chance for him to establish himself among the elite riders of the MotoGP world.
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